UFC 101: where to watch and where to party

Alejandro A. Alvarez / Philadelphia Daily News

The Ultimate Fighting Championship weigh in at the Wachovia Center in South Philadelphia fon Friday afternoon August 7, 2009. The fight will take place on Saturday evening August 8, 2009. At left is UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn facing off with opponent Kenny Florian after weigh in on Friday afternoon at the Wachovia Center.

Sun Coverage

If you can’t afford the plane fare to Philly or aren’t satisfied with your lack of a home theater, Las Vegas bars and casinos are offering a plethora of viewing options for UFC 101 right in your own backyard, or close enough. The UFC is following up the historic UFC 100 fight card with another stacked ticket you won’t want to miss just because you’re not in Philadelphia.

With his lackluster performance against Georges St. Pierre at “Greasegate” behind him, BJ “The Prodigy” Penn hopes to restore his reputation in the lightweight division against fierce opponent, Kenny Florian. In another much anticipated bout, hometown favorite Forrest Griffin will take on Anderson “The Spider” Silva, who will be stepping back up to the light heavyweight division to take on the original Ultimate Fighter champ. Other key fights feature Amir Sadollah, Kendall Grove and Matthew Riddle.

Most of the Station Casinos will be hosting viewing parties on large screens with a $20 cover at their various locations throughout the Valley. Doors open at 6 p.m. with televised coverage beginning at 7 p.m. Bar Louie at Town Square will be showing the fight and offering $2 Mickey’s Fine Malt Liquor Grenades with no cover but a two-drink minimum. The party starts at 6 p.m. Several PT’s locations will be offering viewing parties with drink and food specials as well.

MMA 30 will host a viewing party at Hawaiian Tropic Zone on the Strip. Following the fight, stick around for the after-fight party hosted by TapouT featuring surprise guest fighters and merchandise giveaways. Immediately following UFC 101, Hawaiian Tropic Zone will also present the MMA 30 premiere episode with Dave Farra.